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Saturday saw a top
versus bottom clash at Ballykillaire with Bangor 5ths taking on South
Antrim who had beaten them convincingly earlier in the season. It looked
like a possible repeat of the away result with Bangor facing a number of
short corners early in the first half.
The defensive quartet of Neil
Martin, Geoff Mitchell and brothers Ryan and Chris Agnew standing firm,
along with a commanding performance from Robin Thompson in goal, kept
South Antrim at bay. Eventually South Antrim short corners paid off and
they scored half way through the opening half. Bangor failed to make much
of an impact with the odd break away attack, Nathan Mount and Ryan
McAllister being stifled before reaching the South Antrim circle. A goal
line clearance from Martin, a number of good saves from Thompson and the
hard work in midfield led by Ricky Parker saw the 5s go into half time
only 1 goal down.
The second half brought more of the
same, a solid performance in defence with Danny McNulty and Petey Dorman
supporting the left and right backs well and starting to push forward.
Bangor grew in confidence as the match progressed as any offensive
movement by South Antrim was met by a wall of resistance. Thompson,
in the Bangor goal, made a number of excellent saves to prevent the score
line increasing. Midway through the 2nd half Bangor got moving
forward, Dorman linked up well with Martin who made a surging run from
right back to find Ryan McAllister at the top of South Antrim’s circle.
Ryan in turn committed their South Antrim custodian and slipped a killer
pass to Watson, who gleefully slotted home into the empty net.
1-1 was certainly the least Bangor
deserved. With seconds to go, South Antrim threw everything forward.
Bangor failed to clear a dubious free hit from the edge of the circle
which was fired in again and the deftest of touches saw the ball shoot
into the back of the net. Losing 2-1 was a disappointing end to a
battling performance against a team who will more than likely be 2 leagues
away this time next season |